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Selva Verde Lodge is committed to finding ways to minimize negative impacts on
the local environment and maximize positive effects on the surrounding
community in Sarapiquí.
As such we were very pleased to join the network of CST (Certification of
Sustainable Tourism) properties in Costa Rica.
The CST is a program that sets a standard for lodges in key aspects of
sustainability including environmental impact, community impact, and
environmental awareness building. This program is a voluntary program that was
created and is monitored by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism. CST is one of
the certification programs worldwide that are accredited by Rainforest
Alliance.
Find out more about the CST here
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Selva Verde Lodge strongly supports the CST program because it believes that
in the long term, properly implemented certification is one of the most
promising ways to provide a real incentive to the tourism industry to practice
sustainability. By building a brand awareness around certification, consumers
have an easy and definable way to know which entities are taking steps to
ensure sustainability, and will hence make a choice to patronize those
entities.
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Sarapiqui
Conservation
Learning
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However, even before the CST certification, Selva Verde Lodge began the process
of working towards increased community benefit through the foundation of the
Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC). Formed in 1993 and located on
the lodge grounds, the SCLC’s mission is to support conservation through
educational programming and community development. Ecotourism and educational
exchange are key supporting elements of the Center both interms of generating
funding for the Center but also through providing cultural exchange
opportunities between local residents, volunteers, and international guests.
The ESL (English as a Second Language) program, the After-school program, and
the Scholarship program have wide participation.
Find out more about SCLC here.
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Selva Verde has a Green Rating from the
New Key to Costa Rica for commitment
to environmental education and
community support.
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